A helicopter is a type of aircraft that utilizes rotary wings to generate lift and thrust Helicopters leverage the principles of aerodynamics, typically by using two main rotors (one on each end of the aircraft) and a tail rotor for directional control. The lift generated by the rotors allows a helicopter to ascend and descend, hover, and move forward, sideways, and backward. The ability to fly in a wide range of directions, particularly vertically, makes helicopters a highly maneuverable form of transportation, which is why they are widely used for military, civil, and commercial purposes.
The five best examples of uses for helicopters are as follows.
1. Search and Rescue: Helicopters are regularly used by emergency services to search and rescue individuals in remote, inaccessible areas. Their superior maneuverability and ability to fly in low air speeds make them indispensable in these situations.
2. Military: Helicopters are regularly used in military operations due to their agility, speed, and capacity to fly in challenging conditions (e.g. at night and in inclement weather).
3. Law Enforcement: Helicopters are regularly employed by law enforcement to survey large areas and monitor suspects from the sky. Their elevated position, combined with enhanced surveillance equipment, make them valuable tools for law enforcement.
4. Firefighting: Helicopters are used to drop water and fire retardants on fires in remote, hard to access areas.
5. Commuter Travel: Helicopters are widely used for commercial and commuter travel, due to the speed and flexibility of aerial transportation.